SPAIN: Accommodations - Golf - Other Activities Spain Golf Golf in southern Spain – or Andalucia – is experiencing a major boom as golfers from all over the world are descending on this year-round vacation capital which has some 70 courses and more than 150 hotels. The premiere destination is the famous Costa del Sol the sun-drenched region along the Mediterranean Sea, world-renowned for its white sandy beaches, fine restaurants, exclusive shops and exciting night life. La Cala Designed by: Cabell B. Robinson America course: Par 73; 6766 yards Asia course: Par 72; 6524 yards Europa course Par 71; 6576 yards Established in 1991 in the undulating hills of Costa del Sol, La Cala offers three 18-hole courses - the America, Asia and Europa. Elevated tees, water hazards and challenging fairways await golfers looking to hone their skills. A David Leadbetter Golf Academy is available onsite as well as a short 6 hole, par 3 executive course. [BACK TO TOP] La Dama de Noche Designed by: D. Ramon Iruretagoyena Par 36 (9-holes); 2983 yards An insomniac's dream! La Dama de Noche features strategic lighting to allow play at night as well as by day -- making it the first European course to offer 24-hour golf. The name of the course, which means "the lady at night", refers to the local plant whose nocturnal scent repels mosquitoes. Although the mostly flat course is free of rough, the play is certainly challenging. La Dama is located in an area known as the "Golden Mile" along the Costa del Sol. [BACK TO TOP] Marbella Club Designed by: Dave Thomas Par 73; 6786 yards One of the most exclusive resorts on Costa del Sol, the Marbella Club and its sister hotel are a must for any luxury golf adventure. The course is comprised of contoured fairways, beautiful waterfalls, lakes and strategically placed bunkers, as well as undulating and protected greens, maintained to perfection. From some points you can enjoy views of the north African coastline. [BACK TO TOP] Almenara Designed by: Dave Thomas Par 72; 6600 yards One of the newest golf complexes on the Costa del Sol, Almenara boasts of 27 holes that are always in immaculate condition. The complex is a spectacular layout located near the Almenara hills, with magnificent views of Valderamma and the sea. The first eighteen holes were opened in 1998 and the latest nine added in 2001. The fairways run through cork oaks and wild pines and along meandering streams and natural lakes. The setting is one of the finest on the Costa del Sol. [BACK TO TOP] Mijas Designed by: Robert Trent Jones Los Lagos: Par 71; 6963 yards Los Olivos: Par 70; 6386 yards Mijas Golf is home to two 18-hole courses, Los Lagos and Los Olivos. Both were designed by Robert Trent Jones. Los Lagos seems to be easy at first with its wide fairways and light rough. However, the large bunkers and nine ball-trapping lakes make it very challenging. Los Lagos' 5th hole is among the longest in Andalucia at 616 yards. Los Olivos is made for golfers looking to improve their precision and technical skills. It is shorter and has fewer water hazards, but the increased vegetation and hills, as well as the smaller fairways and greens make it no less of a challenge than Los Lagos. [BACK TO TOP] Montecastillo Designed by: Jack Nicklaus Par 72; 7060 yards One of the top courses in Spain, Montecastillo sits in Jerez de la Frontera next to the Formula One Grand Prix racetrack. It was inaugurated with the 1994 Turespaña Masters Open, and has since hosted the final of the European PGA tour and the Volvo Masters. [BACK TO TOP] Seville Designed by: José Maria Olazábal Par 72; 6763 yards A unique combination of American standard and links-style design, the Real Club de Golf de Seville truly stands out with nearly 100 bunkers and four lakes that come into play on eight holes. Opened 1992, Seville has hosted the 2004 World Golf Championships World Cup. Those that enjoy playing strategically will love the variety and complexity of the layout. [BACK TO TOP] Las Brisas Designed by: Robert Trent Jones Par 72; 6703 yards Originally called Club de Nueva Golf de Andalucia, Las Brisas is a favorite of the Spanish royal family. The landscape and arboretum were designed by Gerald Huggan with to complement the original course design. This exclusive club has hosted numerous golf competitions including the World Cup, the Spanish Open, the King's and the Queen's International Cup. [BACK TO TOP] Royal Sotogrande Designed by: Robert Trent Jones Par 72; 6461 yards Robert Trent Jones' first European course creation, Royal Sotogrande is considered among the top five in Europe and the top 100 in the world. Its wide fairways and light roughs are classic Jones design, but the many water hazards and bunkers are more than a challenge for any golfer. Sotogrande received it's "Royal" title for its thirtieth anniversary in 1994. [BACK TO TOP] San Roque Designed by: Dave Thomas Par 72; 7101 yards The winter home of the PGA European Tour, San Roque has hosted more than its share of professional tournaments over the years. A joy for golfers of all levels, San Roque is a secluded, exclusive resort in the foothills of the Sierra Bermeja. The first nine holes are woodlands and the second are full of water hazards, with holes 8 and 10 particularly difficult. [BACK TO TOP] Torrequebrada Designed by: Jose Gancedo Par 72; 6399 yards Between the Mediterranean and the mountains, Torrequebrada provides a varied golf game for all players. Several lakes and strategically placed bunkers add to the challenge, as well as the undulating landscape and tree-lined fairways. The greens are well guarded, with over 100 species of trees on the grounds. Open in 1976, Torrequebrada has hosted the Spanish Open and is "home base" for Miguel Angel Jimenez. [BACK TO TOP] Valderrama Designed by: Robert Trent Jones, Sr. Par 71; 6951 yards While it is a true championship layout, Valderrama can be equally enjoyable for players of all handicaps. Valderrama's winds -- the land-born "poniente" and the Mediterranean "levante" add a bit of unpredictability to an already demanding course. Opened in 1985, the course features tight, tree-lined doglegs and difficult slopes. Spain's most famous golf course, Valderamma is home to the Volvo Masters and has hosted World Golf Championships as well as the 1997 Ryder Cup [BACK TO TOP]